U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his four-day visit to India, but his trip continues to draw attention online. A photo of Rubio and his wife in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra triggered criticism from Iran’s consulate in Hyderabad, which posted on social media that Rubio would not have posed there if he knew the monument’s history or architecture. The consulate reminded that the Taj Mahal was built by a Mughal emperor for his Iranian-born wife, Mumtaz, and designed by Persian architects.

The Iranian statement linked the image to broader political tensions, accusing Washington of trying to erase Iranian civilization while its officials praise Persian heritage abroad. The post went viral, prompting mixed reactions on social media. Some users supported Iran’s criticism, arguing Rubio ignored historical context, while others viewed the exchange as a symbolic reflection of ongoing U.S.-Iran hostility.

The controversy added a diplomatic layer to Rubio’s India tour, which also drew attention for the absence of senior Indian officials during his departure from Jaipur, sparking debate about protocol and political messaging.